Wates unveiled as JV regeneration partner

Havering Council announced developer Wates Residential as its preferred bidder to transform the borough's housing stock, at the world's biggest property conference on Tuesday.

Revealed at MIPIM 2018, Wates Residential was chosen at a cabinet meeting on 17 January to become a joint venture (JV) partner for a scheme to regenerate 12 council estates over the next 12 years, providing around 3,000 homes.

Starting with Waterloo Road Estate in Romford, Napier and New Plymouth Houses in Rainham and Solar, Serena and Sunrise sheltered housing scheme in South Hornchurch, where existing blocks will be replaced with modern, quality housing, the project will go on to see the regeneration of eight more sites in Hornchurch, Gidea Park, Harold Hill, Rainham and Cranham.

Roger Ramsey, leader of Havering Council, said: "This is the most exciting and ambitious council home building programme in London, and I'm confident our new partner will be able to help us deliver our future vision for the borough.

"Forming this joint venture will allow us to provide high-quality new homes for existing residents and young people who want to stay in the borough.

"This, together with the arrival of Crossrail, and plans for two dedicated housing zones, means developers, businesses and residents will all want to be a part of a future Havering.

Tim Wates, director of Wates Residential, said: "Wates Residential is delighted to have been chosen as the London Borough of Havering's partner on this extremely exciting project, and we look forward to working with the council as we build more than 3,000 high-quality homes over the next 12 years.

"As a family-owned business, we have always been committed to giving something back to the places that we build in; I am proud that we will not only provide crucial additional housing, but also significant benefits to the community through our investment in skills, training, education and jobs for local people."